Growing Up Gay “In My Super Fundamentalist Christian Church”
Kevin James Thornton grew up in a small Christian town in Indiana. His early life started at a Baptist church, but once he discovered a Mega Church focused on rock bands and the youth, he became enamored and doubled down on his faith. A Jesus loving, self motivated chiId then teen, he loved his fully immersive church and heavily partook in extremely questionable youth events, but something inside himself felt wrong. Driven by his desire to fit in and “fix himself” he wouldn’t even allow himself to have the thought that he was gay. He attended youth group bible study religiously and went to inner city parks in NYC dressed as “sin” clowns to perform “morality plays”. They even put on extreme HeII based haunted houses with graphic scenes played out by the youth. Things started to feel grim for Kevin once the group graduated high school and the boys he had crushes on coupled up and got married, leaving Kevin feeling more alone than ever. Always having buried who he really was, it wasn’t until he escaped to college and found himself in a new group within theater that the inner turmoil would subside. Kevin dives into what it was like selling everything to move to LA to become a comedian, and how he blew up on TikTok during the pandemic by sharing his old bible study memories (with a splash of autotune).Click here to watch on YouTubeTour dates and tickets: Websites: https://www.kevinjamesthornton.com/https://www.shamalahamala.com/Follow Kevin on social media:YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNQbKNgL8bcuH8z4pzh9flwIG: @kevinjamesthornton TT: @kevinjamesthornton Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**Chapter Marks00:04:24 Kevin's early church experiences as a southern baptist00:06:58 How Kevin changed churches and why it appealed to him as a teenager00:09:40 How this mega church appeared to be less conservative but doctrinally the opposite00:10:50 What Kevin's parents thought about his dedication to church00:12:14 What the messages were like at the new church00:14:28 Youth group mission trips to inner cities00:19:10 Messages from the church and the pressure to proselytize and bring more people to the church through events00:22:35 Kevin's dissonance with his s*xuality00:26:56 The story about home bible study during youth group00:30:13 How people in the same situations can have different experiences00:33:25 The mega church's haunted houses for Halloween00:37:27 Kevin's feelings at the time on the haunted houses00:39:06 When Kevin started to realize there were issues with his church00:43:28 How seeing other gay people be acceptable helped Kevin accept himself00:47:14 How his old youth group felt about Kevin's new life in college00:49:56 How reaching out can make someone second guess the best path for themselves00:52:17 Kevin's shift from his old life into the comedy scene00:59:11 How an app and the pandemic changed Kevin's comedy01:06:08 How Kevin is doing today01:11:47 Linda, ListenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2 Sep 1h 14min
Ex-Mormon & Ex-Jehovah’s Witness React to LEAKED Upcoming Convention Tapes (ft. Altworldly)
Many of you have gotten knocks on your door lately (us included) by the Jehovah’s Witnesses inviting you to attend their upcoming weekend long convention in July. Our friend Jake at @altworldly found a LEAKED copy of their propaganda and promised it would deliver in absurdity and disgusting takes on the “apostates” who have left the religion. Join us as Shelise blind reacts to these videos.Click here to watch on YouTubePart 1 of the streamFollow @altworldly Other video collaborations:Ex-Mormon and Ex-Jehovah's Witness Compare CULTure (ft. @altworldly )Ex- Mormon and Ex-Jehovah's Witness Compare Doctrine (ft @altworldly)Fear of End Times: Ex-Jehovah's Witness Confessions ft. @altworldlyAn ex-Mormon and ex-Jehovah's Witness Compare Notes (w/ @CultstoConsciousness )Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
29 Aug 1h 6min
The Dark Side of Jehovah’s Witnesses: My Husband Refused to Let Me DIE Despite Blood Doctrine
As a 4th generation Jehovah’s Witness, Alissa Watson followed the path laid out before her and married young at a month past 19. Against the recommendation of the doomsday cult, she had chiIdren. During the birth of her first chiId, a pool of lost blood scared her husband into looking into the doctrine of blood transfusions being a punishable sin. Unwilling to lose the life of his wife or baby during the next delivery, he confessed to his wife that he would not be following the blood doctrine if it came down to it. Alissa agreed, but had no idea it had sent her husband down a slow and secret path of deconstruction, until she confronted him about his absence in the church. Research of rampant CSA coverups, a wishy-washy governing body leader under oath and more left her shocked. Their exit out of the religion was messy and hurtful, leaving behind their entire family who refused to even look at them due to the strict practice of shunning.Click here to watch on YouTubeWhy I Left the Jehovah's Witnesses: The Truth Behind My ExitFind Alissa on Social:YouTube: @athomewithalissaIG: @athome_withalissa TikTok: @athomewithalissa Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code SHELISE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/sheliseSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**Chapter Marks00:00:00 Intro00:04:27 What it was like growing up as a Jehovah's Witness (pressures & disfellowshipping)00:11:07 Why Alissa wanted to be homeschooled00:13:16 Alissa meets her husband at 17 and doubles down on the religion00:16:14 Dating as a Jehovah's Witness00:18:33 The pressures of being a teenage girl having to get married00:23:52 Alissa gets engaged, sins and thinks Satan is attacking her relationship00:26:51 Jehovah's Witnesses discourage having chiIdren00:30:43 The "no blood" rule causing a scare during birth00:37:23 Alissa's husband starts secretly deconstructing00:40:47 Was Alissa's husband filled with Satan??00:42:47 Why Alissa's testimony crumbled overnight00:47:59 What it was like when Alissa and her family were shunned00:57:31 Setting boundaries and making mental health a priority01:06:09 Why Alissa decided to start speaking out on social media01:14:53 How Alissa's life has changed for the better01:18:34 Linda, Listen01:20:40 Find and support Alissa!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
28 Aug 1h 21min
How THIS Jehovah’s Witnesses Leader Aligned with Hitler in WWII ft. Owen Morgan Telltale
During WWII the horrific extermination of religious and ethnic groups forced people to denounce their faith and hail Hitler for their own survival. Owen Morgan, former JW and successful YouTuber @OwenMorganTelltale dove into the rabbit hole to extensively research the position and stories of the JW people at the time. He explains how Joseph Franklin Rutherford, the second leader of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, made an attempt to align with the Nazi regime to maintain freedom of worship. However, he took things a step further, actively harming the witnesses and taking the religion in a cultic direction. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with Owen:The Extremely Isolated Life of Growing Up Jehovah's WitnessFind Owen on Social Media:YT: https://www.youtube.com/@OwenMorganTelltaleIG: @owenmorgantelltale Website: www.owenmorgan.comBook: Was Hitler an Atheist? Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**Chapter marks:00:00:00 Intro00:03:09 Owen's motivation for researching the N*zi's treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses during World War II00:04:26 Owen's reasons for leaving the church00:06:36 German Christian national*sm and H*tler's connection to the Jehovah's Witnesses00:10:53 Rutherford's letter to H*tler00:12:10 JW's support of N*zism vs the well known rule of no politics00:15:44 Frank's story as a JW in N*zi Germany00:21:24 Paul Balzereit's story00:23:40 How JW's were forced into signing the declaration to H*tler00:25:35 How Rutherford came into leadership and the changes he brought00:31:51 Why Rutherford released the statement and the resiliency of JW members00:37:44 Corruption in leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses vs Mormonism00:41:15 Rac*sm in the Jehovah's Witness religion and Mormonism00:44:46 Different schisms of Jehovah's Witnesses and their similarities with the main group00:48:17 Word of wisdom hot drinks vs caffeine debate in Mormonism00:51:44 How and why trivial religious rules and how they can dictate people's entire lives00:57:21 Other recent changes to the religion01:00:05 Financial holdings and corruption in the JW religion01:07:17 Guilt and being a good person as a Jehovah's Witness01:13:03 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
27 Aug 1h 15min
The Jehovah’s Witnesses Stole My Family (ft. Stop the Shunning)
Bethany was raised in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, only to realize she had been part of a cult for thirty years. The psychological pressure cooker exploded in her 20s with quickly deteriorating mental health. The faux perfectionism drove her into an eating disorder as a means to gain any form of control over her life. When she could no longer pretend anymore, questioning authority and pursuing her personal freedom cost her, her devout family. She now has a YouTube channel where she discusses the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ harmful policies.Today we are going LIVE with Bethany to further dive into how the Jehovah’s Witnesses completely ruined her relationship with her parents. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch the initial interview here Find Bethany on social media:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bethanylegerwebsite: www.bethanyleger.comYT: https://www.youtube.com/@stoptheshunningIG: https://www.instagram.com/bethanylegerwriterBethany’s book: Physically In, Mentally Out: Navigating Your Exit From WatchtowerThe best way to reach her is via email: bethanylegerwriter@gmail.comSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
26 Aug 1h 1min
How Jehovah’s Witnesses Psychologically Tortured Me for 30 Years
Bethany Leger was raised in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, only to realize she had been part of a cult for thirty years. The psychological pressure cooker exploded in her 20s with quickly deteriorating mental health. The faux perfectionism drove her into an eating d*sorder as a means to gain any form of control over her life. When she could no longer pretend anymore, questioning authority and pursuing her personal freedom cost her, her devout family. She now has a YouTube channel where she discusses the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ h*rmful policies.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Bethany on social media:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bethanylegerwebsite: www.bethanyleger.comYT: https://www.youtube.com/@stoptheshunningIG: https://www.instagram.com/bethanylegerwriterBethany’s book: Physically In, Mentally Out: Navigating Your Exit From WatchtowerThe best way to reach her is via email: bethanylegerwriter@gmail.comSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**Chapter Marks:00:00:00 Intro00:04:25 Defining the Jehovah's Witness religion as a cult-like group00:06:02 What Bethany's family was like growing up00:11:08 Core beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses00:15:23 Bethany's gut feelings about the church and the obligation to fulfill duties00:23:20 CW: ED Developing h*rmful behaviors and realizing how being a JW makes Bethany really feel00:25:21 CW: ED Bethany's experience in high school that led her to evaluate the Jehovah's Witnesses00:38:45 What Bethany's mom did to keep her in the religion00:41:16 Bethany's parents' conflicting values and where that confusion ultimately led her00:46:26 How self policing kept Bethany as a Jehovah's Witness after high school00:49:30 The tension in Bethany reaches a breaking point CW: su*cid*l ideation00:51:54 The last time Bethany stepped foot in a Kingdom Hall00:58:29 The moment that changed Bethany's perspective forever01:02:02 CW: SA Jehovah's Witness SA cases in Australia01:03:12 CW: SA The two witness rule and how it allows rampant ab*se to fester for years01:06:10 Barbara Anderson's story01:13:59 New changes to how shunning works01:19:09 How Bethany is doing now01:22:51 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
26 Aug 1h 25min
Confronting Our Mormon Polygamous Cult Compound 25 Years Later
Melanie and Cory grew up in the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) at the Montana compound. They wouldn’t meet, however, until long after leaving the cult and all their family behind. Almost a polygamous wife, Melanie had a horrible arranged marriage at a young age and did whatever it took to get out and become free. Now, we look at what happens when a funeral brings them both back to the compound to face estranged family members as apostates. How did their families react to them now that they have a YouTube channel exposing the AUB? Tune in to find out! Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Melanie’s initial interviewFollow Melanie on Social Media:https://www.youtube.com/@NotestoSelf444IG: @Notestoself444 https://www.tiktok.com/@NotestoSelf444Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
25 Aug 1h 3min
My Father is the Polygamist Prophet of the AUB Mormon Sect
One of the polygamous offshoots of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) where the famous Kody Brown and Sister Wives come from. Melanie grew up in this group with 4 mothers and 34 and counting siblings. Her Father was an apostle when she was growing up, but would go on to become the prophet. A position that is said to commune directly with God and Jesus themselves. The highest calling on Earth. Melanie and her siblings were shocked when such an ab*sive man would be given such a sacred calling. Melanie, destined to become a plural wife herself, would have to put up with her spouse courting a 16 year old girl while she was pregnant! She lived a life full of grief and pain and void of real romantic love, until she gained the courage to escape and leave her entire family and community behind. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Melanie and Cory in our LIVE interviewFollow Melanie on Social Media:https://www.youtube.com/@NotestoSelf444IG: @Notestoself444 https://www.tiktok.com/@NotestoSelf444Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**Chapter Marks00:00:00 Intro00:03:36 Why Melanie Started Sharing Her Story; Her ChiIdhood00:08:07 Melanie’s Father Had a Favorite Wife and How it Impacted Her as a ChiId00:16:40 Specifics about the AUB and Melanie’s First Marriage00:22:42 Melanie’s First Husband, and How Her Mother Taught Her Not to See Race00:25:39 CW: CSA, SA, Beginning of Melanie’s First Marriage & How She Avoided Getting Pregnant00:30:55 CW: Mentions of Self-H*rm, Melanie Shares How Marriage was as a Teenager in the AUB and How It Impacted Her00:38:15 What it Was Like Dating Her First Husband and a Potential Plural Wife00:46:28 CW: CA, Melanie’s Faith Crisis After Her Father Became an Apostle & Her First Time Leaving the AUB00:52:35 Returning to the AUB for A Time After Her Son was Born00:56:03 Getting Divorced and Meeting Her 2nd Husband01:05:47 Melanie’s Deconstruction & Her Father Becoming Prophet of the AUB01:11:04 Shocking Information about Her Best Friend01:18:15 Melanie’s Life Now and the Progress She's Made01:27:06 Final Thoughts and What Brings Melanie Joy01:29:40 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
21 Aug 1h 33min
